Guatemala

For the Caribbean Sea: Comando Naval del Caribe, Santo Tomás de Castilla Izabal. T: +502 7948 3127.

For the Pacific Ocean: Comando Naval del Pacífico, Puerto Quetzal Escuintla. T: +502 7881 1056. F: +502 7881 1056.

Hospitals and doctors in Guatemala usually require payment before treating patients, even if insurance might cover it later. They generally do not offer payment plans and may refuse to discharge you until you have paid in full. Private hospitals usually require advance payment before admitting a patient.

Medical staff may speak little or no English.

Ambulance services are widely available in urbanised areas, but they are not widely available in rural areas.

There is no risk of yellow fever in Guatemala, however, there is a certificate requirement. Under International Health Regulations, proof of vaccination against yellow fever is required for travellers aged between 1 and 60 years arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport with risk of yellow fever transmission. A list of countries with risk of yellow fever transmission is available at nathnacyfzone.org.uk/factsheet/65/countries-with-risk-of-yellow-fever-transmission

Recommended vaccinations for Guatemala are hepatitis A, tetanus, typhoid, chikungunya, dengue and rabies. Zika virus and malaria are both health risks in Guatemala.

In many areas, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. You should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water.

There is a risk of volcanic eruptions in Guatemala.

There has been an increase in reports of credit and debit cards being cloned after being used in ATMs in Guatemala City and Antigua. Check ATMs for evidence of tampering, but be aware that affected machines may not be easy to spot. You should be particularly vigilant before and after using an ATM – robberies are common, especially at night, and usually involve firearms.

If credit cards are lost or stolen, there may be difficulties obtaining a replacement as the main international courier services may refuse to accept delivery to Guatemala.

Puerto Quetzal. T: +502 2329 7070. (ext. 6150 container terminal).

Santo Tomas. T: +502 2329 7070. (ext. 7312 exports; ext. 7314 boarding/disembarking).

You should always take your personal security seriously and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Car-jacking, armed robbery, kidnapping and sexual assault can take place anywhere and at any time of the day. Caution should be exercised around ATM machines, petrol station forecourts, airports and shopping centres. Attacks usually involve firearms and are often conducted and coordinated by motorcycle riders. There is a low arrest and conviction rate for perpetrators.

Be wary of persons presenting themselves as police officers. There have been reports of visitors becoming victims of theft, extortion or sexual assault by people dressed in police uniforms.

For shorter trips within towns and cities the safest option is to take radio (which are usually yellow) or hotel taxis. You should avoid walking in unfamiliar areas or catching local city buses or unofficial taxis.